Systems and methods for the estimation of jurisdictional boundary crossings for fuel tax reporting relating to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). One method includes defining a geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction. The location of the vehicle is determined using a positioning system and the geo-fenced region. When positioning system information is unavailable for a period of time, the location of the vehicle is estimated, including determining if a distance between two consecutive positioning system points is greater than a threshold value, and using predetermined route information to estimate where the vehicle has crossed the geo-fenced region boundary.
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1. A method of estimating a jurisdictional boundary crossing for fuel tax reporting relating to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the method comprising: defining a geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction using a telematics base unit having a processor, the geo-fenced region having at least one boundary; determining, using a position determination system, a location of the vehicle; determining whether the vehicle has crossed the boundary of the geo-fenced region based on the location of the vehicle and the at least one boundary of the geo-fenced region; estimating, using the telematics base unit, where the vehicle has crossed the boundary of the geo-fenced region when position determination system information is unavailable for a period of time, where the estimating includes determining if a distance between two consecutive position determination system points is greater than a threshold value; using predetermined route information to estimate where the vehicle has crossed the geo-fenced region boundary when the distance is greater than the threshold value; and storing vehicle location data on the telematics base unit until the telematics base unit is coupled to a portable device.
A method for tracking commercial vehicle (CMV) jurisdictional boundary crossings for fuel tax reporting. The system defines a digital geo-fence around a jurisdiction. It uses GPS to determine the vehicle's location and whether it has crossed the geo-fence boundary. When GPS data is temporarily unavailable, the system estimates the vehicle's location and potential boundary crossings. This estimation checks if the distance between the last known GPS point and the next GPS point exceeds a threshold. If so, the system uses pre-determined route data to estimate where the vehicle crossed the boundary. Vehicle location data is stored locally on a telematics device until downloaded to a portable device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a location of the vehicle includes generating position determination system information for a geo-fenced region boundary crossing using the telematics base unit.
Building upon the method described for tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, the process of determining the vehicle's location specifically includes generating GPS information whenever a geo-fence boundary crossing event is detected by the telematics base unit. This ensures that accurate positional data is recorded when the vehicle enters or exits a jurisdiction for fuel tax calculation purposes.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a location of the vehicle includes generating position determination system information for a geo-fenced region boundary crossing using the telematics base unit.
Building upon the method described for tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, the process of determining the vehicle's location specifically includes generating GPS information whenever a geo-fence boundary crossing event is detected by the telematics base unit. This ensures that accurate positional data is recorded when the vehicle enters or exits a jurisdiction for fuel tax calculation purposes.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, sending vehicle location data to a fuel tax computing program using the portable device.
In addition to tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, the method involves sending the collected vehicle location data from the telematics device to a fuel tax calculation program via a portable device. This allows for processing the raw location data and calculating the fuel tax owed based on distance traveled in each jurisdiction.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: using the location of the vehicle and the vehicle location data to compute fuel tax for the jurisdiction.
In addition to tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, the method uses the vehicle's location and location data to calculate fuel tax for a given jurisdiction. This includes determining the distance traveled within each jurisdiction and applying the appropriate fuel tax rates for accurate tax reporting.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the distance determining the distance between a last valid position determination system vehicle location before the telematics base unit stopped receiving position determination system information and a first valid position determination system vehicle location after the period of time when position determination system information was unavailable.
In the method for tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings when GPS is unavailable, the distance calculation uses the last valid GPS location before signal loss and the first valid GPS location after signal is restored. This "dead reckoning" approach bridges the gap caused by missing GPS data to estimate travel distance and boundary crossings.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the distance determining includes using odometer data.
In the method for tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, determining the distance when GPS data is unavailable includes using odometer data. This provides an alternative, potentially more accurate, distance measurement to compensate for periods of GPS outage.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: generating an event of a geo-fenced boundary crossing, using the telematics base unit, when the distance is greater than the threshold value.
Within the method for tracking jurisdictional boundary crossings, the telematics unit generates an event notification when the distance between two GPS points exceeds the set threshold. This event signals a potential missed boundary crossing due to GPS outage and triggers the route-based estimation process.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the generated event identifies both the previous vehicle location and the current vehicle location.
When the system generates a geo-fence boundary crossing event (due to the distance threshold being exceeded), the generated event data includes both the vehicle's previous location and its current location. This provides context for the estimated crossing and allows for more accurate route-based estimation.
10. A system configured to determine state fuel tax reporting relating to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), comprising: a telematics base unit installed on the vehicle; a portable device; at least one processor; at least one non-transitory computer storage medium comprising stored executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the following operations to estimate a jurisdictional boundary crossing: defining a geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction using information from the telematics base unit, the geo-fenced region having at least one boundary; determining, using information from a position determination system, a location of the vehicle; determining whether the vehicle has crossed the boundary of the geo-fenced region using the location of the vehicle and the at least one boundary of the geo-fenced region; estimating, using information from the telematics base unit, a location of the vehicle when position determination system information is unavailable for a period of time, where the estimating includes determining if a distance between two consecutive position determination system points is greater than a threshold value; using predetermined route information to estimate where the vehicle has crossed the geo-fenced region boundary when the distance is greater than the threshold value; and storing vehicle location data on the telematics base unit until the telematics base unit is coupled to a portable device.
A system that tracks commercial vehicle (CMV) jurisdictional boundary crossings for fuel tax reporting. It includes a telematics device installed in the vehicle, a portable device for data transfer, and a processor. The system defines geo-fences around jurisdictions using data from the telematics device. GPS data determines the vehicle's location and whether it has crossed a geo-fence boundary. When GPS data is temporarily unavailable, the system estimates the vehicle's location. This estimation checks if the distance between the last known GPS point and the next GPS point exceeds a threshold. If so, the system uses pre-determined route data to estimate where the vehicle crossed the boundary. Vehicle location data is stored locally until downloaded.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, generate position determination system information related to a geo-fenced region boundary crossing.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the computer storage medium includes instructions to generate GPS information specifically when a geo-fence boundary crossing is detected, improving accuracy of jurisdictional travel data.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, generate position determination system information on the telematics base unit related to a geo-fenced region boundary crossing.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the telematics base unit specifically generates GPS information when a geo-fence boundary crossing is detected, allowing for on-board recording of jurisdictional travel data.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, define a geo-fenced region for the jurisdiction on the telematics base unit.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction is defined directly on the telematics base unit, enabling the device to independently monitor boundary crossings.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, send vehicle location data to a fuel tax computing program using the portable device.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the vehicle location data is sent to a fuel tax computation program using the portable device, allowing for easy transfer of raw data to a processing application.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, use the vehicle location data to compute fuel tax for the jurisdiction.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the vehicle location data is used to compute the fuel tax owed for the jurisdiction, providing automated calculation of tax liabilities.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the distance determining instructions of the physical non-transitory computer storage medium include determining the distance between a last valid position determination system vehicle location before the telematics base unit stopped receiving position determination system information and a first valid position determination system vehicle location after the period of time when position determination system information was unavailable.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the distance determining instructions calculate the distance between the last valid GPS location before signal loss and the first valid GPS location after signal is restored, enabling estimation during GPS outages.
17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the distance determining instructions include using odometer data.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the distance determining instructions utilize odometer data to enhance accuracy during periods when GPS data is unavailable.
18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the operations of the at least one processor further comprise: generating an event of a geo-fenced boundary crossing when the distance is greater than the threshold value.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the processor further generates an event notification when a geo-fence boundary crossing is estimated based on the distance exceeding the threshold.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the generated event identifies both the previous vehicle location and the current vehicle location.
In the fuel tax reporting system, the generated geo-fence crossing event includes both the vehicle's previous location and the current location, providing a context for the estimation process.
20. At least one non-transitory computer storage medium comprising stored instructions which when executed determine state fuel tax reporting relating to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the at least one non-transitory storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform the following operations: defining a geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction, the geo-fenced region having at least one boundary; determining, using a position determination system, a location of the vehicle; determining whether the vehicle has crossed the boundary of the geo-fenced region using the position determination system and the geo-fenced region; estimating where the vehicle has crossed the boundary of the geo-fenced region when position determination system information is unavailable for a period of time, where the estimating includes determining if a distance between two consecutive position determination system points is greater than a threshold value; using predetermined route information to estimate where the vehicle has crossed the geo-fenced region boundary when the distance is greater than the threshold value; and storing vehicle location data on a telematics base unit until the base unit is coupled to a portable device.
A non-transitory computer storage medium storing instructions for fuel tax reporting. The instructions define a geo-fence for a jurisdiction, determine the vehicle's location using GPS, and detect geo-fence crossings. When GPS data is unavailable, the system estimates the vehicle's location. This estimation checks if the distance between the last known GPS point and the next GPS point exceeds a threshold. If so, the system uses pre-determined route data to estimate where the vehicle crossed the boundary. Vehicle location data is stored locally on a telematics device until downloaded to a portable device.
21. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, generate position determination system information related to a geo-fenced region boundary crossing.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, instructions generate GPS information related to a geo-fenced region boundary crossing, improving accuracy of jurisdictional travel data.
22. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, generate position determination system information related to a geo-fenced region boundary crossing on the telematics base unit.
This invention relates to telematics systems for vehicles, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately detecting and reporting when a vehicle crosses a predefined geo-fenced boundary. The system uses a telematics base unit equipped with positioning capabilities to monitor the vehicle's location in real-time. When the vehicle enters or exits a designated geo-fenced area, the system generates position determination system information, which includes data about the boundary crossing event. This information may encompass the exact time, location coordinates, and direction of the crossing, as well as vehicle identification details. The system processes this data to provide alerts, notifications, or other actions based on the boundary crossing. The invention improves upon existing telematics solutions by enhancing the precision and reliability of geo-fencing functionality, ensuring accurate tracking of vehicle movements relative to predefined geographic boundaries. This is particularly useful for fleet management, asset tracking, and security applications where monitoring vehicle location within specific areas is critical. The system leverages non-transitory computer storage media to store and execute the necessary instructions for detecting and processing boundary crossings, ensuring robust and efficient operation.
23. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, define a geo-fenced region for the jurisdiction on the telematics base unit.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, instructions define a geo-fenced region for the jurisdiction on the telematics base unit, enabling the device to independently monitor boundary crossings.
24. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, send vehicle location data to a fuel tax computing program using the portable device.
This invention relates to a system for managing fuel tax calculations using a portable device. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking vehicle location data to determine fuel tax obligations, which are often based on geographic regions or jurisdictions. The portable device collects and transmits vehicle location data to a fuel tax computing program, enabling precise tax calculations based on the vehicle's movement across different tax jurisdictions. The system ensures compliance with fuel tax regulations by providing real-time or periodic updates of the vehicle's location to the computing program. The portable device may include sensors or interfaces to gather location data, such as GPS coordinates, and may communicate with the computing program via wireless or wired connections. The system may also include additional features, such as data validation, error correction, and reporting, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of fuel tax calculations. This approach simplifies tax reporting for vehicle operators and reduces the risk of non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
25. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, use the vehicle location data to compute fuel tax for the jurisdiction.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, instructions use the vehicle location data to compute fuel tax for the jurisdiction, providing automated calculation of tax liabilities.
26. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, record fuel purchase records.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, instructions also record fuel purchase records, enabling a comprehensive fuel tax reporting solution.
27. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, estimate the fuel consumed by the vehicle using data from a mass air-flow sensor.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, instructions also estimate fuel consumption using data from a mass air-flow sensor, providing additional data for fuel tax calculations and efficiency analysis.
28. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the distance determining instructions include determining the distance between a last valid position determination system vehicle location before the telematics base unit stopped receiving position determination system information and a first valid position determination system vehicle location after the period of time when position determination system information was unavailable.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, the distance determining instructions calculate the distance between the last valid GPS location before signal loss and the first valid GPS location after signal is restored, enabling estimation during GPS outages.
29. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the distance determining instructions include using odometer data.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, the distance determining instructions utilize odometer data to enhance accuracy during periods when GPS data is unavailable.
30. The storage medium of claim 20 , wherein the operations of the at least one processor further comprise: generating an event of a geo-fenced boundary crossing when the distance is greater than the threshold value.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, the instructions further generate an event notification when a geo-fence boundary crossing is estimated based on the distance exceeding the threshold.
31. The storage medium of claim 30 , wherein the generated event identifies both the previous vehicle location and the current vehicle location.
In the fuel tax reporting storage medium, the generated geo-fence crossing event includes both the vehicle's previous location and the current location, providing a context for the estimation process.
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September 11, 2015
May 9, 2017
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